How New Zealand manages contaminated land

This page gives the central and local government agencies responsible for managing contaminated land in New Zealand. It also outlines the laws, regulations, guidelines and funding tools that help regulate, manage and remediate contaminated land.

Agencies responsible for managing contaminated land

The Ministry for the Environment provides leadership on land contamination across central and local government. The Ministry has created a National Environmental Standard and guidelines to assist in the management of contaminated land in New Zealand.

Regional councils and territorial authorities have functions under the Resource Management Act (RMA), Sections 30 and 31 respectively, for the day-to-day management of contaminated land. One of the councils’ roles is to give effect to the National Environmental Standard and ensure compliance with it.

Tools and guidance to help with contaminated land

To help local government fulfil their RMA functions, the Ministry for the Environment has developed a framework for managing land contamination that includes a mix of laws and regulations, guidelines and funding arrangements. These include: